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    Lela Nguyen

    4.9 (151 reviews)
    Open 5:00 am - 9:00 pm

    By appointment only

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    Response time

    1 day

    Response rate

    100%

    Services - Lela Nguyen

    Makeovers

    Lela Nguyen Photos

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    Reviews With Photos

    Shannon R.

    Lela is awesome! I'm the type that loves the dramatic look for lashes and that's what I got! She listens to exactly what you want, whether it's a natural look, in between or the full dramatic look. There's no pieces that sticks out or downwards, it's done perfectly. The lashes also lasted me 5-6 weeks which is rare because I've gone to so many different places and they all start falling off in the second week. I'm so excited to go back to her next month before my vacation. I would definitely recommend coming to her for any beauty needs!

    Bridesmaids hair & mu by Lela
    Ivy H.

    This review is long overdue, but better late than never! I hired Lela back in October for my bridesmaids hair and make-up. Lela is extremely easy to work with and did an amazing job! What I love about her work is that she enhances a person's features and doesn't alter or mask their natural beauty. I also noticed that all my bridesmaids hair and make-up withstood the entire day and night! Thank you so much Lela for beautifying my girls! They looked gorgeous!

    Eric & Andrea, 8/31/13. Photography: Ting Photo & Design.
    Andrea L.

    Lela was absolutely awesome to work with! I did a bridal hair and makeup trial with her and I hired her to do my day-of bridal hair and makeup as well. The trial went well. Lela listened to my thought process and what I was interested in. We tried a few different hairstyles, and she did my makeup in stages so we could adjust and build as we went. I left her studio with a better idea of my options, and since we did my trial in the morning I could see how the makeup with last and wear throughout the day. For my wedding day hair and makeup, it was as close to perfect as you can get. For my hair, I asked her to put more volume into my crown. When she was done, I was actually a little worried that it was too much volume and that it would look kind of weird and showy. She reassured me that it would photo well, and that it's better to keep the volume since it'll deflate throughout the day. Boy am I glad I listened to her - my hair with the extra volume in the crown did photo beautifully! And in looking at the wedding photos throughout the day until nighttime, I was able to tell that it was starting to deflate but not to the extent of flatness since we had started off bigger. Lela definitely knows her stuff so if you're feeling uncomfortable about something, talk to her about it but know that you can trust her suggestions. As far as my wedding day makeup, I had full on waterworks going right before I walked down the aisle. I totally lost it right before the doors opened, and I was so sure that my makeup was totally destroyed from how much I cried. Guess what - it remained PERFECT. IT WAS MAGIC. My cheeks didn't have streaks running down, and somehow my eye makeup remained intact - no smudging of liner/shadow/mascara at all! I really don't know how it could have stayed so perfect from how much crying I did, but it weathered the storm for sure. Overall, Lela was great to work with, very professional, patient and sweet, and very good at what she does. She is absolutely worth considering for your wedding (or special occasion) hair and makeup.

    Loved the updo! Not too structured, just soft enough
    Minnie B.

    Attended a destination wedding in San Francisco (originally from LA) and was in need of makeup and updo hair styling. I'm so happy I found Lela for me and my sister-in-law. From the booking to communicating via text messaging to confirm our appointments, Lela was so professional and easy to deal with. For the actual appointment she could either come to your hotel (or home) but we went to her salon. Her salon is so elegant and professional looking and Lela is such a delight! Her application of makeup was on spot and she is so quick and knows exactly what she is doing. Same applies to working with your hair and giving you what you asked for. And anything you don't like, want her to adjust or change she immediately makes sure you are completely satisfied and happy with your finished look! It was a joy having her work on my hair and makeup and next time I'm in SF will definitely give her a call for her awesome work! Thank you Lela, you were a GEM of a makeup artist & hair stylist to both myself and Rita! Wishing you continued success!

    Late into the night after hours of laughing and crying, I still looked flawless...
    Janet L.

    I had the privilege of having Lela as my makeup artist on my wedding day. She was referred to by my friend and gets booked way in advance! Her prices are steep but she's a pro at what she does. I used other makeup stylists who were a bit cheaper than the bridesmaids and they knew of her and agreed she was more of a veteran than they were. In the wedding package I chose the engagement shoot makeup and hair/trial run and wedding day of hair and makeup. I have monolids and when applying one of the fake lashes, it created a crease in one eye and not the other. I thought it wasn't a big deal at the time but the photos came out it looked so wonky. So when I expressed my concern Lela worked with my crazy schedule to fit me in again for another complimentary session. I don't really apply makeup heavily or wear dark colored lips but she ensured me it would looks beautiful in photos so I trusted her and it did!!! On wedding day I put my full confidence in Lela and my hair and makeup turned even 1000% times more beautiful than I could've imagined! It was such a great feeling to be the most beautiful you've ever been on your wedding day and not let your hair or makeup be a concern. Lela is so calm and professional and makes you feel at ease, especially on s crazy busy hectic day! I have super oily skin, so Lela gave me some powder to apply throughout the day, but I got a bit carried away on drinks and didn't bother with it, but either way the photos looked FLAWLESS throughout the night even after some tears at the alter. Hail to Lela! Beauty queen!!!

    Hair already lost curls within 1.5 hours.
    phuong l.

    I used Lela for makeup over the weekend for my wedding and I didn't like the results. Her skills might have worked for other people but didn't work for me. I came for my engagement/trial and I gave her a look from Sophia Lau's instagram and the result came out terrible, I look darker and uglier than when I was naturally. The foundation was cakey and didn't do anything for me. I was frustrated and I expressed my concerns and she did erase my airbrush foundation and put on a foundation that is more natural and improved my look dramatically. The look has improved but it is not something spectacular that I have paid so much money for. I have got my makeup done at Benefit and Mac counters and these artists could achieve that look for me. She also did my hair for the engagement pictures, the hair curls she did came undone over a little more than 1 hour. I left her apartment around 5:30 p.m. since I have a shoot at 6:30 . I checked the first few shots we did we should be around 6:50 since we had to walk into the beach and my hair was already undone. To be fair there was wind on the beach at Mori Point but that shouldn't have deflated my hair that much. My curls were beach waves for lob. Unfortunately I already made the deposit for her since her Instagram photos look nice so I had to bite the bullet and go through with the contract. I brought up all those concerns and suggested that for the look for my wedding day I want dewy makeup and I gave her a look on sophia Lau instagram, #donaldandanna# to achieve. I guess the makeup turned out okay but still looks so unnatural in real life. I think a good bridal makeup artist will know how to balance things out to make the bride look good in real life and on camera. I don't think Lela was able to achieve that for me. The hair was a disaster. I gave her the look from blogger Gary Pepper Fb's page profile pic posted on March 22 and please see attached picture for what I got. When I saw the direction the hair was going I told her that maybe I should do my hair exactly for my engagement picture since the hair was so crazy and aged me. She assured me that she has to do tight curls for the styles to keep up the whole day and the curls will soften and I will achieve that look a couple of hours/when I step right outside. It never did and I got ugly hair for the most important day of my life. Seriously I can achieve this look at home doing it by myself. So I paid a load of money to achieve a look that I can go to a Mac counter and get free makeup for about $50 worth of products that I can use and hair I can do myself. She might be talented at doing up-dos but makeup and curls I wouldn't recommend. The reason I might look good in photos because I had a good photographer and that kind of mitigate the damages. I've posted 2 pictures (1 from my engagement, and 1 at my wedding took by a guest at the reception).

    Ashley T.

    She is super talented and made me look beautiful for my wedding day. Hair and make-up were the best they've ever looked. A true worker of miracles!

    Marie T.

    Lela did my makeup and hair for my wedding on Jan 2013. I am so glad I hired her. My husband hates makeup and wishes that I wouldn't wear any. But he told me I was so beautiful, so I was SOLD! I would describe her style has "Clean", and "Fresh". I definitely didn't want the smokey eye. You don't look and feel like you're wearing "makeup" and the pictures came out really amazing and natural looking. The makeup lasts through the day and night and it doesn't run even after the day was through. I did two consultations with her. The first for Hair and Makeup and the Second for just Hair because I changed my mind about my hair. The first consultation costs $100 and the other was $50 since it just was hair. From what I remember, she told me her prices went up so these numbers may not be the same. I even changed my mind about the front of the hairstyle two weeks before the wedding and with only just a picture to show her, she executed it so perfectly on the day of. My only complaint: I also asked her to have her assistant do the makeup of my maid of honor and my mom. The only complaint I have is that she forgot that I paid extra to have "air-brush" makeup on my mom and my maid-of honor. So, my mom had to remind her. I didn't mention that my maid of honor needed air brushing too because I was occupied with other things. But I wish I had my contract to remind her assistant. Additionally, I didn't particularly like the way her assistant did the makeup on them - I suggest you ask her for sample pictures of her assistant's work so that you know what you're paying for. Anyway, I don't hold this against Lela. She, herself, does AMAZING work. Make sure you give time to find parking because her studio is located on a busy street.

    make up completed - now for the hair!
    Leyna V.

    I went through several different hair and make up artist until I finally decided to book Lela Nguyen for her Hair/make up service for my wedding in November of 2013. My reason for booking Lela was really based on her work, her personality and how fast she responded to all my questions (and I had a lot!). She was extremely responsive which I admire and part of the reason why I felt she would be a perfect fit. I went to see Lela in SF for my trial. I live in south Orange County so I had to fly out to get my hair/make up trial done...I felt it was completely necessary and was very glad I did it. I got married in Mendocino, CA so a couple of hours north of San Franciso. Lela drove here with her team of hair and make up artist for the bridesmaids. We obviously had to pay for travel fees, overnight accommodations, all those things extra items that not everyone account for. Lela arrived at my room at the time promised, even earlier. We were ready to go! Because I had gone to her for the trial...I knew what I wanted and what required change. I will say that she took her time with me, never felt rushed. Always communicating to me what she is doing and asking me if I am happy with the result. I can honestly say that I was extremely happy with the outcome of my hair up and hair. My make up was flawless and I felt beautiful. My hair was amazing, exactly what I asked for and more...I honestly never felt so pretty in my life...and its very important to feel that way on your wedding day. What I will say that I was not 100% happy with was her hair/make up team for the bridesmaids. I noticed the bridesmaids did not love their hair and make up and they felt like the team did not spend much time on each of them. I felt the same way, I felt their hair could of been better...make up was not that great, very light compared to what they typically wear. I can tell the bridesmaids did not feel their best but at that point, there was nothing more to be done. On the other hand, I am thrilled with my hair and make up and so thankful for Lela...which I feel badly about since not all the girls felt their best. The problem was the bridesmaids did not say anything until after hair and make up was completed...so I do recommend speaking up if you are not happy with something. I can say that Lela does an amazing job but can't say the same about her team. This review really is just for Lela as I feel I booked her so that she can make me feel beautiful on my wedding day and she did just that.

    Look at all that beautiful hair that Lela single-handedly coifed!
    Wendy N.

    Dear Lela, Thank you for making me, my bridesmaids, mom and nieces look beautiful on my wedding day. You did amazing things in such a short time frame, creating amazing waterfall braids but keeping us looking natural and like a slightly better version of our normal selves - which is exactly what I asked for. You were patient, kind, totally professional and I'm so happy to have had you as my stylist that day. Thanks! Wendy

    hair & makeup at 7am at her studio.
    OoohLal A.

    Lela is amazing! I found Lela through a recommendation from another Hair & Makeup artist because she was out of town. She did a fantastic job on my hair & makeup. I was very pleased and felt very glamorous! I will definitely look you up again.... Many Thanks!!

    Vanessa R.

    Lela did my makeup for my engagement photos - and her and her team provided hair and makeup for myself, my mother, mother-in-law and bridesmaids on my wedding day. She did an AMAZING job on both occasions and I am so happy I chose her. I've received numerous compliments on my makeup for both events. Lela is calm & sweet and quick to respond to emails. I didn't provide her any specific guidelines on how I wanted my makeup to look, other than wanting it to be natural, and she nailed it. During my hair trial, I felt like my hair was a little flatter on top than I wanted and she noted that and made it look perfect on the actual wedding day. Lela brought along her sister and another associate for the wedding party and they all did a great job. Guests especially noted how good my mother and mother-in-law's makeup looked. I wish Lela could do my makeup everyday :)

    Loved what Lela did for my big day!  She was very profession and good at her craft :-)

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Lela Nguyen

    What kind of hair extension services do you offer? How much do they cost?

    How much do you charge for permanent Hair straightening?

    Unfortunately I do not offer permanent hair straightening services.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Lela Nguyen

    She also did my mother's make-up and mother-in-law's hair, who were both extremely satisfied with the outcome!

    Mentioned in 21 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Update as of 3/27/25: I came in for my scheduled appointment with my hairstylist, and…read moreunfortunately, the strong chemical smell in the salon was overwhelming. It was difficult to stay comfortable during the visit. While I appreciate the work of my stylist, the air quality in the salon made the OVERALL EXPERIENCE UNPLEASANT. I hope the salon considers installing proper ventilation for the SAFETY of all clients. ***** This review is to WARN you about the air quality and excessive smell of PERM CHEMICALS at this place. During my recent three-hour service, I was subjected to strong chemical fumes, likely from the numerous perm services being performed. These fumes from perm services caused significant irritation to my eyes and nose, not to mention a headache. The excessive chemical fumes and lack of proper ventilation are alarming!

    This was my first time at Camellia Hair Salon and I enjoyed the experience and service immensely!…read moreThey normally take appointments but I got lucky with a walk-in on a Saturday. Mai was my stylist and she was super sweet and wonderful to chat with. I got a normal haircut and showed her a few reference photos, consulted with her about what I was looking for in style and the finished look was spot on to my liking! She was meticulous and unhurried throughout the process, paying great attention to detail while cutting. I definitely will be coming back for future haircuts and color treatments with her!!

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    I did a walk-in since I was nearby for a long women's haircut but definitely recc calling ahead to…read morereserve a time. Mr. Ono was super detailed and took his time cutting, washing, and styling my hair to the style I wanted so super appreciative of him! It was $90 for the extra long women's haircut. I typically ask for layered haircut kind of similar to a butterfly haircut, and I think he delivered. There was a nice massage hairwash too. I took a photo the day after of my haircut so the styling wore off. I love how he took extra time to check every layer while cutting and styling! Bonus points for their super cute doggo in the shop. Very kind staff here! :)

    The photos of what I came in with and what I left with say it all. Asked for 2 inches off and for…read moremy layers to be freshened up. First, Junya barely shampooed my hair. The salon hair wash + scalp massage is one of the best parts about getting your hair cut. Off to a bad start. Then she started snipping away unevenly. Scissors were clearly not sharp - I could hear those dull blades tearing through my hair. The saxophones kept getting louder. Rough dried my hair with a towel, her hands, and a blow dryer - didn't pick up a round brush once. Flathead, no volume. I told her it was uneven in lengths and layers, in addition to being much shorter than I asked for, and she said "your cut was uneven when you came in so I can't make it even or fix that." What? That is LITERALLY your job as a hair stylist. Left with dry-ass, choppy layered, uneven, shorter than asked for hair that wasn't even styled. One star only because she comped the poorly executed haircut.

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    David James

    David James

    4.8
    (294 reviews)
    2.0 mi
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    Nielle is the best!! I'm so glad I found her, I would follow her around the Bay Area. She keeps my…read morehair looking fresh and healthy after it went through a major thinning process. A shoulder cut can quickly look crazy on me (mullet alert) but she was able to perfectly layer my hair with some face framing bangs to come out perfectly balanced. Also she's the easiest person to talk to, makes your appointment feel so relaxing and peaceful like you're catching up with a long time girlfriend - she is theeee best!!

    I've been going to Nielle for over a decade and from the jump she really listened to what I wanted…read more I originally came to her after a botched balayage I got in the Philippines, and she completely fixed it. From there, we did an 10 hour transformation going blonde and honestly, that appointment bonded us for life. I've never trusted anyone else since, she's basically my hairstylist and therapist hehe Her balayage is SOOOOO good. It always looks natural, grows out beautifully, and lasts forever without getting brassy. I'm pretty low-maintenance, and somehow my hair still looks put together months later because of her work. Her haircuts are also super clean, and she's actually the one who got me into curtain byayangs and I've stuck with them ever since. What I appreciate most is how much she cares about doing things the right way. When I decided to go back to my natural color, she didn't rush it or take shortcuts. She slowly transitioned me over time and kept my hair healthy through every stage. I live in Los Angeles now and will literally fly home just to see her, that's how good she is! After 11 years, she's more than just my hairstylist, she's someone I trust completely. Highly recommend!

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    The Lane

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    4.9
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    1.7 mi

    Whoa! Story time children! I had the most amazing French…read morehair expert/ coiffure who treated my hair like luxurious royalty. My whole family had to be clients. Yes. Even the boyfriend forgot about his $35 special for Charles. Charles, bequeathed to us by the hair Gxds! He was my constant. The star for which my hair fate was tethered. How could they be so cruel as to take him back to France! A wide divide had been created. How would I ever find the golden scissors that my hair had come to expect? It took time. Years. I kept showing stylists how my hair was cut during its happiest moments with Charles. An A line bob with scissor texture only achieved by an expert was what I described. But no one got it. I tried several places. Even my step mom's hair stylist! (Yes. It got that bad!). No one would take on the challenge. Until Lacey. Lacey the hair coiffure. My hair relaxed knowing that it was in good hands. In with the scissors she went, I sighed. I remembered this feeling, this shape. Mama was back babies! Yes! Nailed it! 5 stars! 1million stars! I'm secretly hoping that people don't find this review because I want my hair time with those hands! Seriously. Dissatisfied with your stylist? Want a fresh revamp for '26 come to the Lane. Open, refreshing, and professional. Great care taken by staff. Overall a huge win in my book.

    I generally have hair apathy but The Lane makes me want to care again…read more I had a color with Stevie and my hair looks amazing. The color was very natural and I am so happy with it. I really loved Stevie. She was so kind and fun to talk to. She made getting my hair colored, fun. After my color, I had a haircut with Lacey. Even as she was working, cutting off about 5 inches, I knew I was going to love it. By the time she was done, I was in love with my hair again. I got long layers and am so happy about it. What I appreciated the most is that Lacey was diligent about asking how I live. Knowing that I exercise daily, she made sure I would be able to put my hair in a pony tail. I got a lot of compliments from my family about my new hair and I will definitely be back to see these lovely ladies. Thank you both for making my hair look amazing and making me feel welcome.

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    Lela Nguyen - makeupartists - Updated July 2026

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